On the morning of February 7, 2020, the doors of justice seemed to slam shut – not for criminals, but for five human rights advocates, community journalists and grassroots organizers in Tacloban City. In a coordinated raid led by military and police forces armed with dubious warrants, the homes and officers of people’s organizations were violently breached. That day, Alexander Philip “Chakoy” Abinguña, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, Marissa Cabaljao, and Mira Legion – collectively known as the Tacloban 5 – were dragged into a six-year nightmare of legal prosecution, fabricated charges and relentless state harassment.
Almost immediately, they raised the alarm that evidence was planted. Guns, explosives and even a rebel flag were “discovered” under mattresses, beneath pillows and shockingly, near the crib of a one-year old child. These co-called findings formed the basis of criminal cases that bore no grounding in truth or justice.
While Marrissa Cabaljao and Mira Legion were later released on bail, Chakoy, Frenchie and Marielle faced non-bailable charges built on lies. Years passed. Witnesses failed to appear. The prosecution dragged its feet. yet the courts kept the machinery of punishment turning – especially for Abinguña, whose trial drags on with no end in sight despite the prosecution not even finishing its own case.
But the attacks did not stop at one courtroom. In 2022, after attempting to recover funds seized during the raid )money raised for humanitarian aid and community radio), the state hit Cumpio and Domequil with terrorism financing charges. The irony? The ₱557,360 was never declared in official inventories, yet was later used to justify a civil forfeiture case. The Manila court initially ruled in favor of the government. It was only until October 29, 2025 when the Court of Appeals slammed the door on that injustice, declaring there was no credible reason to believe they were terrorists. The funds were rightfully theirs.
Then on January 22, 2026 came a bittersweet verdict. Cumpio and Domequil were acquitted of illegal possession of firearms and explosives – vindication at last. But in the same breath, they were convicted on terrorism financing charges and sentenced to 12 – 18 years in prison. Their legal battle continues, now headed to higher courts.
And still, more charges loom. Abinguña faces trumped up murder accusations based solely on the word of a government-backed “rebel returnee” – a tactic long used to criminalzie dissent.
This is not justice. This is systemic silencing.
The Tacloban 5’s story is not isolated. It is a mirror held up to a state that uses the law as a weapon targeting journalists, humanitarians and activists who dare to speak truth. Six years after their arrest, on February 7, 2026, we stand with them not just in solidarity but in resistance.
We say again, louder and clearer:
FREE THE TACLOBAN 5!
DROP ALL FALSE CHARGES!
RELEASE CHAKOY, FRENCHIE AND MARIELLE NOW!
FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN THE PHILIPPINES!
This is not just a call. It’s a movement.
Here’s how you can rise with us:
- Hold up a sign. Take a photo with a placard demanding freedom for the Tacloban 5. Share it widely.
- Speak out. Record a short video – why do you stand with them?
- Write. Publish. Amplify. Issue statements from your organization or as an individua.
- Endorse the call. Sign the solidarity statement.
- Educate. Host forums, discussions or teach-ins about the Tacloban 5 and the over 700 political prisoners still behind bars.
On February 7 – mark it, mobilize and act.
- Organize protests, forums or art actions in your schools, communities and workplaces.
- Join the digital uprising. Flood social media with the hashtags #FreeTacloban5 #DismissTheCharges #FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersPH
And in Manila, on February 6, 2026, CAHRE and allied groups will march to the Department of Justice – because silence is no longer an option.
Justice delayed is justice denied. But together, we can make it undeniable.